Sector arm and latch assembly

ABSTRACT

A seating assembly comprises a seat base operably coupled to a track assembly and a latch assembly configured to couple the seat base to the track assembly. The latch assembly comprises a sector arm operably coupled to a first pivot pin and a second pivot pin, wherein the first pivot pin is operably coupled to the seat base, a striker operably coupled to the second pivot pin and including a striker pin, and a dual cam latch operably coupled to the sector arm and disposed between the first pivot pin and the second pivot pin and operable between a lowered position in which the latch assembly is engaged with the striker pin and a raised position in which the latch assembly is released.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure generally relates to a latch assembly. Morespecifically, the present disclosure relates to a latch assemblydisposed on a sector arm between a first pivot axis and a second pivotaxis.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is common to have the ability to pitch a seating assembly forward ina vehicle, particularly for vehicles where access to rear seating isonly available by entering behind a front seating assembly. Because ofthe common use of these entries, it is desired to increase the spacecreated for entry when the seating assembly is pitched forward.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a seatingassembly comprises a seat base operably coupled to a track assembly anda latch assembly configured to couple the seat base to the trackassembly. The latch assembly comprises a sector arm operably coupled toa first pivot pin and a second pivot pin, wherein the first pivot pin isoperably coupled to the seat base, a striker operably coupled to thesecond pivot pin and including a striker pin, and a dual cam latchoperably coupled to the sector arm and disposed between the first pivotpin and the second pivot pin and operable between a lowered position inwhich the latch assembly is engaged with the striker pin and a raisedposition in which the latch assembly is released.

Embodiments of the first aspect of the present disclosure can includeany one or a combination of the following features:

-   -   the dual cam latch includes a locking hook defining an opening;    -   a first distance measured from the opening of the locking hook        to the second pivot pin is generally equivalent to a second        distance measured from the second pivot pin to the striker pin;        and/or    -   the sector arm includes a first arm operably coupled to a second        arm, and wherein the first pivot pin is operably coupled to the        first arm and the second pivot pin is operably coupled to the        second arm.

According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a seatingassembly comprises a seat base operably coupled to a track assembly, asector arm operably coupled to a first pivot pin and a second pivot pin,wherein the first pivot pin is operably coupled to the seat base, astriker plate disposed on the track assembly and operably coupled to thesecond pivot pin, and a dual cam latch disposed between the first pivotpin and the second pivot pin and configured to engage a striker pin whenin a lowered position.

Embodiments of the second aspect of the present disclosure can includeany one or a combination of the following features:

-   -   the dual cam latch includes a locking hook defining an opening;    -   the striker plate includes the striker pin configured to be        received by the opening of the locking hook;    -   the dual cam latch is operably coupled to a mid-portion of the        sector arm by an arbor pin such that the aperture is a first        distance from the second pivot pin;    -   the striker pin is a second distance from the second pivot pin,        and wherein the second distance is generally equivalent to the        first distance;    -   the sector arm includes a first end and a second end, and        further wherein the first end is operably coupled to the first        pivot pin and the second end is operably coupled to the second        pivot pin; and/or    -   the first end is disposed at a predetermined angle relative to        the opening of the dual cam latch, and further wherein the angle        disposes the seat base to be substantially parallel to the track        assembly.

According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, a seatingassembly comprises a seat base operably coupled to a track assembly anda latch assembly. The latch assembly comprises a striker plate operablycoupled to the track assembly, a sector arm operably coupled to the seatbase and the striker plate, and a dual cam latch operably coupled to thesector arm and disposed between first and second ends of the sector arm.

Embodiments of the third aspect of the present disclosure can includeany one or a combination of the following features:

-   -   the striker plate includes a striker pin;    -   the dual cam latch includes a locking hook defining an opening        configured to receive the striker pin;    -   the sector arm includes a first end defining a first pivot axis        and a second end defining a second pivot axis;    -   the second end extends a first distance from the second pivot        axis, and further wherein the striker pin is disposed at a        second distance from the second pivot axis;    -   the first distance is generally equivalent to the second        distance;    -   the first end is disposed at an angle, and further wherein the        angle is configured to position the seat base parallel to the        track assembly when the locking hook is engaged with the striker        pin;    -   the dual cam latch is secured to the sector arm and a cover by        an arbor pin; and/or    -   the sector arm is a single continuous piece configured to        support some part of the seat base.

These and other aspects, objects, and features of the present disclosurewill be understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art uponstudying the following specification, claims, and appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of one embodiment of a vehicle seatingassembly;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged top perspective view of the vehicle seatingassembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3A is a top perspective view of a frame of an embodiment of avehicle seating assembly with a two-way pitching mechanism in a designposition;

FIG. 3B is a side elevational view of the frame of FIG. 3A with thetwo-way pitching mechanism in the design position;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of section IV of FIG. 3B;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged side elevational view of a base of a frame of avehicle seating assembly showing a latch of the vehicle seating assemblyin a design position;

FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of a frame of a seating assembly witha two-way pitching mechanism in a design position and showing a pitchedposition in phantom;

FIG. 7A is a top perspective view of a frame with a two-way pitchingmechanism in a pitched position;

FIG. 7B is a side elevational view of the frame of FIG. 7A with thetwo-way pitching mechanism in the pitched position;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged inside perspective view of the base including thelatch of FIG. 5 in an intermediate position;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged inside perspective view of the base including thelatch of FIG. 5 in a pitched position;

FIG. 10A is a side elevational view of a latch assembly for use with atwo-way pitching mechanism or a four-way pitching mechanism of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 10B is an exploded top perspective view of the latch assembly ofFIG. 10A;

FIG. 11A is a side elevational view of a dual cam mechanism of the latchassembly of FIG. 10A in a first position;

FIG. 11B is a side elevational view of the dual cam mechanism of FIG.11A in a second position;

FIG. 11C is a side elevational view of the dual cam mechanism of FIG.11A in a third position;

FIG. 11D is a side elevational view of the dual cam mechanism of FIG.11A in a fourth position;

FIG. 12A is a top perspective view of a frame of a vehicle seatingassembly with a four-way pitching mechanism in a design position;

FIG. 12B is a first side elevational view of the frame of FIG. 12A withthe four-way pitching mechanism in the design position;

FIG. 12C is a second side elevational view of the frame of FIG. 12A withthe four-way pitching mechanism in the design position;

FIG. 13 is a side elevational view of a frame with a four-way pitchingmechanism moved to a pitched position;

FIG. 14A is a top perspective view of a frame of a vehicle seatingassembly with a four-way pitching mechanism in a pitched position andslid forward;

FIG. 14B is a side elevational view of the frame with the four-waypitching mechanism of FIG. 14A in a pitched position and slid forward;

FIG. 15 is a rear bottom perspective view of a frame of a vehicleseating assembly with a four-way pitching mechanism;

FIG. 16A is a side elevational view of a base frame of a vehicle seatingassembly with a latch assembly in a design position;

FIG. 16B is a side elevational view of the base frame of FIG. 16A of thevehicle seating assembly with a latch assembly in a pitched position;

FIG. 17A is an inside elevational view of a base frame of a vehicleseating assembly and towel bar in a design position;

FIG. 17B is an inside elevational view of the base frame and towel barof FIG. 17A in a pitched position;

FIG. 18A is an outside elevational view of a base frame of a vehicleseating assembly with a gear in a lowered position; and

FIG. 18B is an outside elevational view of the base frame and the gearof FIG. 18A with the gear in a raised position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,”“left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivativesthereof shall relate to the concepts as oriented in FIG. 2. However, itis to be understood that the concepts may assume various alternativeorientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It isalso to be understood that the specific devices and processesillustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the followingspecification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive conceptsdefined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and otherphysical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed hereinare not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly stateotherwise.

In this document, relational terms, such as first and second, top andbottom, and the like, are used solely to distinguish one entity oraction from another entity or action, without necessarily requiring orimplying any actual such relationship or order between such entities oractions. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” or any other variationthereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that aprocess, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elementsdoes not include only those elements but may include other elements notexpressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, orapparatus. An element proceeded by “comprises . . . a” does not, withoutmore constraints, preclude the existence of additional identicalelements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprisesthe element.

Referring to the embodiment generally illustrated in FIGS. 1-18B,reference numeral 10 generally designates a seating assembly comprisinga striker pin 12 operably coupled to a track assembly 14 and a sectorarm 16 operably coupled to a seat base 18 and defining a first pivotaxis α and a second pivot axis β. The seating assembly 10 furthercomprises a dual cam latch 24 disposed between the second pivot axis βand the seat base 18 when the sector arm 16 is in a raised position, andengageable with the striker pin 12 when the sector arm 16 is in alowered position, wherein the dual cam latch 24 is releasable by aforward movement of a seatback 26, a release cam 28 operably coupled tothe sector arm 16 along the second pivot axis β, wherein the release cam28 is configured to rotate downward when the sector arm 16 is in theraised position, and a release bar 30 including a front portion 32 and arear portion 34, wherein the rear portion 34 is engageable by therelease cam 28.

Referring now to FIG. 1, the seating assembly 10 is shown disposedwithin a front portion 40 of a vehicle 44. The seating assembly 10includes the seat base 18 and the seatback 26 and may include a headrest48. The track assembly 14 is operably coupled to a floor 50 of thevehicle 44, and the seat base 18 is operably coupled to the trackassembly 14. The track assembly 14 may include a plurality of tracks 52each defining a channel 54. The seating assembly 10 is configured topitch forward to allow access to a rear portion 56 of the vehicle 44. Itis contemplated that the vehicle 44 may be any type of vehicle, such asa car, a truck, a van, etc. It is also contemplated that the concept setforth in this disclosure may be utilized in the front portion 40 of thevehicle 44 as well as the rear portion 56 of the vehicle 44, dependingon the configuration of the vehicle 44.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, the seat base 18 of the seating assembly10 is operably coupled to the seatback 26. The seat base 18 may bepositioned on a plurality of rail slides 60 of the track assembly 14.Each of the plurality of rail slides 60 may be received by the channel54 defined by one of the plurality of tracks 52 of the track assembly14. The plurality of rail slides 60 may be releasably secured to thetrack assembly 14. Alternatively, the plurality of rail slides 60 may beslideably coupled to the track assembly 14 to allow fore and aftmovement of the seating assembly 10 relative to the vehicle 44. Anactuator 64 may be disposed on the seat base 18. The actuator 64 isconfigured to pitch the seating assembly 10 forward when actuated,lifting the rear of the seat base 18. Although the actuator 64 is showndisposed on the seat base 18 in the illustrated embodiment, it iscontemplated that the actuator 64 may be disposed on the seatback 26 orin any position proximate to the seating assembly 10, depending on theconfiguration of the seating assembly 10, without departing from thescope of the present disclosure.

Referring now to FIG. 3A, the seating assembly 10 is shown including atwo-way pitching mechanism 70. The seating assembly 10 includes a baseframe 74 and a back frame 78. The back frame 78 includes a firstvertical support 82 and a second vertical support 84 joined together bya top portion 88 and a bottom portion 92. The first and second verticalsupports 82, 84 may each include a curved front portion 94 and may beintegrally formed with the top portion 88 and the bottom portion 92.Alternatively, the first and second vertical supports 82, 84 may beoperably coupled to the top portion 88 and the bottom portion 92 usingfasteners or connectors, adhesives, welding, etc. The base frame 74includes a first horizontal support 96 and a second horizontal support98 operably coupled to the first vertical support 82 and the secondvertical support 84, respectively. The first and second horizontalsupports 96, 98 may be joined by a front portion 102 and a rear portion104. In the illustrated embodiment, the rear portion 104 includes atorsion bar 100, and the front portion 102 includes a cushion pan 106including a lip 108 configured to secure over a top edge 110 of thefirst and second horizontal supports 96, 98.

Referring still to FIG. 3A, a first cable guide 120 is operably coupledto the first horizontal support 96. An actuator 124 is operably coupledto the top portion 88 of the back frame 78 and includes a second cableguide 126. A first cable 122 is received by the first cable guide 120and extends up the back frame 78 of the seating assembly 10 to bereceived by the second cable guide 126. The first cable 122 furtherextends beneath the rear portion 104 of the base frame 74 to interfacewith a standard splitter 150. The standard splitter 150 operably couplesthe first cable 122 with a first latch cable 130 and a second latchcable 132. The first latch cable 130 is operably coupled to a latchassembly 168 operably coupled to the first horizontal support 96, andthe second latch cable 132 is operably coupled to the latch assembly 168operably coupled to the second horizontal support 98. The first cable122 is encased by a first cable sleeve 142, and the first latch cable130 and the second latch cable 132 are encased by a second cable sleeve144 and a third cable sleeve 146, respectively. It will be understoodthat the first cable 122 may be a single cable, a plurality ofindividual cables, or a plurality of intertwined cables. It will furtherbe understood that the first latch cable 130 and the second latch cable132 may be integrally formed with the first cable 122 or the first andsecond latch cables 130, 132 may be a single cable. The first cable 122and the first and second latch cables 130, 132 may be connected by anymeans as understood in the art. Further, it is contemplated that thefirst cable 122 and the first and second latch cables 130, 132 may beexposed on the underside of the base frame 74 without the cable sleeves142, 144, 146 without departing from the scope of the presentdisclosure.

Referring now to FIG. 3B, the second horizontal support 98 and thesecond vertical support 84 are shown. It will be understood that thefirst horizontal support 96 and the first vertical support 82, thoughnot shown, have a similar configuration. As shown in FIG. 3A, the secondhorizontal support 98 is fixedly coupled to the second vertical support84 by an elongated transverse connector 176 that terminates at first andsecond recliner hearts 175, 177.

Still referring to FIG. 3B, the track assembly 14 is shown with one ofthe plurality of rail slides 60 disposed within the channel 54 definedby one of the plurality of tracks 52. In the illustrated embodiment, thesecond horizontal support 98 is operably coupled to the rail slide 60 bya hinge 180 and the latch assembly 168. It will be understood that thearrangement of the latch assembly 168 and the hinge 180 is exemplaryonly and that the latch assembly 168 and the hinge 180 may be arrangedin alternate configurations without departing from the scope of thepresent disclosure. Each hinge 180 includes a hinge base 184 fixedlycoupled to the rail slide 60. The hinge 180 further includes a hinge arm188 pivotally coupled to the second horizontal support 98 and furtherpivotally coupled to the hinge base 184.

Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 5, each latch assembly 168 includes astriker plate 192 secured on the rail slide 60. The striker plate 192includes an elongated member 198 with a first end 194 and second end196. The first end 194 is operably coupled to the sector arm 16 by apivot pin 200. As shown in FIG. 5, the sector arm 16 may be furtheroperably coupled to the torsion bar 100 acting as the rear portion 104of the base frame 74. The sector arm 16 defines a first pivot axis α anda second pivot axis β. The first pivot axis α aligns with the center ofthe torsion bar 100 while the second pivot axis β aligns with the pivotpin 200 operably coupled to the first end 194 of the striker plate 192.

Still referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the striker plate 192 includes a base210, a first plate side 214, and a second plate side 216. The base 210is integrally formed with and joins the first and second plate sides214, 216. As shown in FIG. 4, the first plate side 214 includes a firstupturned flange 234. The first upturned flange 234 defines a firststriker aperture 236 configured to receive the striker pin 12. It willbe understood that the configuration of the striker pin 12 and a platepivot aperture 220 are exemplary only and that the location of the platepivot aperture 220 and the striker pin 12 may be adjusted withoutdeparting from the scope of the present disclosure.

The second plate side 216 may be non-linear and extends the length ofthe elongated member 198 of the striker plate 192. At the first end 194,the second plate side 216 defines the plate pivot aperture 220configured to receive the pivot pin 200. The pivot pin 200 operablycouples the first end 194 to the sector arm 16. At the second end 196,the second plate side 216 may include a second upturned flange 240. Thesecond upturned flange 240 defines a second striker aperture 244. Thefirst striker aperture 236 receives a first end 248 of the striker pin12, and the second striker aperture 244 receives a second end 252 of thestriker pin 12. The first plate side 214 and the second plate side 216are spaced apart a predetermined distance to allow the striker plate 192to receive the dual cam latch 24 disposed on the sector arm 16,including a latch housing 256. The dual cam latch 24 is releasablycoupled to the striker pin 12 between the first end 248 and the secondend 252 of the striker pin 12.

Still referring to FIG. 5, the sector arm 16 defines a first pivotaperture 258 configured to receive the torsion bar 100 of the rearportion 104 of the base frame 74 and a second pivot aperture 218configured to align with the plate pivot aperture 220 and receive thepivot pin 200. As discussed elsewhere herein, the first end 194 of thestriker plate 192 and the sector arm 16 are operably coupled by thepivot pin 200 extending through the plate pivot aperture 220 and thesecond pivot aperture 218 of the sector arm 16. The pivot pin 200 may besecured by a washer 262 and a nut 264. However, it is contemplated thatother methods of coupling the striker plate 192 and the sector arm 16may also be implemented.

Referring now to FIG. 6, each hinge 180 and each latch assembly 168 areconfigured to pivot from the design position D to the pitched positionP. In the illustrated embodiment, each sector arm 16 of the latchassembly 168 is a single elongated member 298. However, it iscontemplated that each sector arm 16 may be a single plate or aplurality of plates forming the sector arm 16. As discussed elsewhereherein, the sector arm 16 is operably coupled to the rear portion 104 ofthe base frame 74 in the illustrated embodiment. However, it iscontemplated that the sector arm 16 may be operably coupled to anyportion of the base frame 74 of the seating assembly 10. The sector arm16 is further operably coupled to the striker plate 192. As shown inFIGS. 4-6, when the seating assembly 10 is in the design position D, thedual cam latch 24 of the latch assembly 168 is engaged with the strikerpin 12 and the sector arm 16 of the latch assembly 168 sitssubstantially flush with the striker plate 192. As shown in FIG. 6, whenthe seating assembly 10 is in the pitched position P, the sector arm 16is extended upward to support the rear portion 104 of the base frame 74.The base frame 74 is inclined forward, forming an acute angle X betweenthe base frame 74 and the track assembly 14. By pitching the base frame74 forward and supporting the base frame 74 at an incline, the two-waypitching mechanism 70 creates a cone of entry C that gives sufficientspace to allow a user to enter behind the seating assembly 10.

Referring now to FIG. 7A, the first cable 122 is operably coupled to theactuator 124, as described elsewhere herein. When actuated, the actuator124 applies tension to the first cable 122. The first cable 122subsequently transfers the tension from the actuator 124 to the firstand second latch cables 130, 132 by way of the standard splitter 150.When the tension is transferred to the first and second latch cables130, 132, each latch assembly 168 is released, allowing each sector arm16 to extend upward into a raised position.

Referring now to FIGS. 7A-9, when the sector arm 16 is in the raisedposition, as noted elsewhere herein, the sector arm 16 extendssubstantially vertically. The sector arm 16 lifts the rear portion 104of the base frame 74, inclining the base frame 74 forward. As shown inFIG. 7B, the hinge arm 188 of the hinge 180 rotates forward with thefront portion 102 of the base frame 74 when each latch assembly 168 isreleased and rotates into the pitched position P. The hinge arm 188supports the front portion 102 of the base frame 74 when the seatingassembly 10 is in the pitched position P.

Referring now to FIGS. 8 and 9, the latch assembly 168 includes thesector arm 16 and the dual cam latch 24. The sector arm 16 includes theelongated member 298 and is rotatable between a lowered position (FIG.6) and the raised position (FIG. 9). The member 298 includes a first end300 and a second end 304. The first end 300 defines the first pivotaperture 258. The first pivot axis α is defined by the first end 300 andis aligned to extend through the center of the first pivot aperture 258.In the illustrated embodiment, the first pivot aperture 258 isconfigured to receive the torsion bar 100, as discussed elsewhereherein. The sector arm 16 may be secured on the torsion bar 100 by awasher 308 and may be disposed so that a first surface 312 of the sectorarm 16 is substantially flush against an interior surface 316 of thesecond horizontal support 98 (FIGS. 8 and 9). The second end 304 of thesector arm 16 defines the second pivot aperture 218 which is configuredto receive the pivot pin 200. In the illustrated embodiment, the pivotpin 200 operably couples the sector arm 16 to the striker plate 192. Thesecond end 304 of the sector arm 16 further defines the second pivotaxis β extending through the center of the second pivot aperture 218 andaligned with the pivot pin 200. As shown in FIGS. 6, 8, and 9, the firstpivot axis α allows the sector arm 16 to rotate about the torsion bar100 of the base frame 74 when the seating assembly 10 is lifted by thesector arm 16. The second pivot axis β allows the sector arm 16 torotate between the raised position and the lowered position as the latchassembly 168 is actuated.

Still referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, the elongated member 298 of the sectorarm 16 forms an obtuse angle Y (FIGS. 9 and 10A). The dual cam latch 24is disposed proximate to the middle of the sector arm 16 where angle Yis formed. The second pivot aperture 218 is defined by the second end304 of the member 298 so that the second pivot axis β is a firstdistance from an opening 334 defined by the locking hook 338 of the dualcam latch 24. The first distance is equivalent to a second distance, andthe second distance is measured from the second pivot axis β to thestriker pin 12. When the sector arm 16 is in the down position, thestriker pin 12 is received by the opening 334, defined by the lockinghook 338 of the latch assembly 168. The obtuse angle Y of the sector arm16 allows both the base frame 74 and a section of the sector arm 16 tobe substantially parallel with the track assembly 14 when the sector arm16 is in the lowered position. The elongated member 298 of the sectorarm 16 may include an offset 342 proximate to the second end 304. Theoffset 342 is configured to allow the sector arm 16 to couple with thestriker plate 192, as discussed elsewhere herein. The offset 342 isconfigured to receive the first plate side 214 at the first end 194 ofthe striker plate 192. The offset 342 is non-linear to allow the firstplate side 214 to be received by the offset 342 for the full range ofmovement of the sector arm 16 as it rotates about the second pivot axisβ.

Still referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, a latch cable guide 330 is disposedproximate the latch housing 256. The latch cable guide 330 is configuredto receive one of the first and second latch cables 132. The secondlatch cable 132 extends through the latch cable guide 330 to operablycouple to the dual cam latch 24 of the latch assembly 168, as discussedelsewhere herein. The third cable sleeve 146 may encase the second latchcable 132. It will be understood that the configuration shown is onlyone side of the seating assembly 10 and the configuration of the otherside, though not shown, mirrors the side shown.

Referring now to FIGS. 10A and 10B, the member 298 of the sector arm 16defines an elongated opening 360 proximate the top of the member 298 sothat the elongated opening 360 may be configured to guide movement ofthe dual cam latch 24. The elongated opening 360 may be arched withrounded ends 368. The elongated opening 360 is also proximate the latchcable guide 330. The member 298 further defines a first connectionopening 382, a second connection opening 384, and a third connectionopening 386 configured to receive first, second, and third connectionpins 390, 392, 394, respectively, for connecting the other components ofthe dual cam latch 24 to the sector arm 16. The first connection opening382 is defined between the elongated opening 360 and the first pivotaperture 258. As shown in FIG. 10A, the first connection pin 390 isreceived by the first connection opening 382 and extends outward apredetermined distance. The second connection opening 384 is defined bythe sector arm 16 proximate to the first connection opening 382 and isconfigured to receive the second connection pin 392. The secondconnection pin 392 has a similar configuration to the first connectionpin 390. It will be understood that the configuration of the firstconnection opening 382 and the second connection opening 384 isexemplary only, and the configuration may be adjusted without departingfrom the scope of the present disclosure.

Referring again to FIGS. 10A and 10B, the third connection opening 386is defined by a downward extending flange 416 of the sector arm 16. Thethird connection opening 386 is configured to receive the thirdconnection pin 394. The third connection pin 394 is of an arbor andpivot design. The third connection pin 394 includes a body portion 420with a pair of protrusions 424 extending from an end of the body portion420. The pair of protrusions 424 is disposed so that the protrusions 424are parallel to each other and form a generally cylindrical arm 432. Thearm 432 is of a smaller diameter than the body portion 420 and isconfigured to be received by various apertures defined by othercomponents of the dual cam latch 24. The protrusions 424 define a slot436 extending a predetermined distance through the center of the arm 432and configured to receive a cinching spring 440. The slot 436 acts asthe arbor for the arbor design pin or third connection pin 394.

Referring still to FIGS. 10A and 10B, the dual cam latch 24 includes thelocking hook 338 operably coupled to a structural cam 450 and anadjustment cam 452. Referring now to FIG. 10B, the structural cam 450includes a flange 470. The flange 470 extends upward from the structuralcam 450 and is configured to receive the second latch cable 132 (notshown) from the latch cable guide 330. The structural cam 450 alsoincludes a first face 454 and a continuous edge 458. The edge 458defines a shelf 462. The shelf 462 and a curved protrusion 478 extendinglaterally from the side of a flange 470 define a space 466. The space isconfigured to receive the locking hook 338. The flange 470 defines anL-shaped opening 486 where the opening 486 is also defined by the curvedprotrusion 478. The structural cam 450 further defines an aperture 490to receive the third connection pin 394. A tab 494 is disposed proximatethe aperture 490 and extends perpendicularly to the first face 454 ofthe structural cam 450. In the illustrated embodiment, the tab 494 isgenerally semi-cylindrical. However, it is contemplated that a tab ofany shape may be used without departing from the scope of the presentdisclosure.

Referring again to FIGS. 10A and 10B, an adjustment cam 452 is disposedsubstantially flush to the first face 454 of the structural cam 450.Referring again to FIG. 10A, the adjustment cam 452 includes a first end500 and a second end 504. The first end 500 includes a top edge 508configured to generally align with and extend upward past the shelf 462of the structural cam 450. The second end 504 of the adjustment cam 452is non-linear and defines an aperture 512 configured to align with theaperture 490 of the structural cam 450. The aperture 512 is configuredto receive the third connection pin 394 to secure the adjustment cam 452to the structural cam 450 and the sector arm 16. A foot 516 extendslaterally from an edge 520 of the adjustment cam 452. The foot 516 isangled to provide a top surface 522 perpendicular to the adjustment cam452 and aligned with the edge 520. The adjustment cam 452 furtherdefines a notch 524 configured to receive the tab 494 of the structuralcam 450. The notch 524 is configured to partially receive the tab 494when the structural cam 450 is in a neutral position. The notch 524 isfurther configured to fully receive the tab 494 when the structural cam450 engages with the adjustment cam 452. It will be understood that thenotch 524 may be any shape or configuration designed to fully receivethe tab 494 when the structural cam 450 engages with the adjustment cam452.

Referring again to FIGS. 10A and 10B, a doubler plate 530 may separatethe structural cam 450 from the adjustment cam 452. A first plateaperture 534 is defined by a first end 542 of the doubler plate 530 andis configured to receive the second connection pin 392. A body portion546 of the doubler plate 530 may be curved and connects the first end542 to a second end 550. A second plate aperture 538 is defined by thesecond end 550 and is configured to align with the aperture 490 of thestructural cam 450 and the aperture 512 of the adjustment cam 452. Thesecond plate aperture 538 receives the third connection pin 394 so thatthe third connection pin 394 extends through the second plate aperture538 to allow further coupling to the cinching spring 440. It iscontemplated that the dual cam latch 24 may be configured to exclude thedoubler plate 530, in some embodiments, without departing from the scopeof the present disclosure.

Referring again to FIGS. 10A and 10B, the cinching spring 440 isgenerally circular and is operably coupled to the structural cam 450 andthe adjustment cam 452 by the third connection pin 394. A firstextension 560 extends tangent to the cinching spring 440. When thecinching spring 440 is in place within the dual cam latch 24 of thelatch assembly 168, as shown in FIG. 10A, the first extension 560 issubstantially flush with the top surface 522 of the foot 516 of theadjustment cam 452. A second extension 564 bisects an opening 568defined by the cinching spring 440. The second extension 564 is receivedby the slot 436 of the third connection pin 394 until the secondextension 564 is secured within the slot 436. When the cinching spring440 is engaged with the slot 436 of the third connection pin 394 and thefoot 516 of the adjustment cam 452, the cinching spring 440 biases theadjustment cam 452 into a blocked position.

Referring still to FIGS. 10A and 10B, the locking hook 338 is operablycoupled to the sector arm 16 by the second connection pin 392. As shownin FIG. 10A, the locking hook 338 includes a first flange 580, a bodyportion 584, and a second flange 588. The body portion 584 is generallycircular and defines an aperture 592 configured to receive the secondconnection pin 392. The first flange 580 extends tangent to the bodyportion 584 and includes a side edge 596. The first flange 580 furtherincludes a first surface 608 defining the top of the opening 334. Thesecond flange 588 curves out and away from the body portion 584 todefine the bottom of the opening 334 configured to receive the strikerpin 12. The second flange 588 includes a second surface 604 defining theopening 334 and further includes an end 606. When the striker pin 12 isreceived by the opening 334, the striker pin 12 is positioned betweenthe second surface 604 and the first surface 608. A protrusion 612 alsoextends from the body portion 584 to define an attachment aperture 616.The attachment aperture 616 is configured to receive a first end hook620 of a return spring 624. The return spring 624 is a tension springconfigured to operably couple the locking hook 338 to the structural cam450. The return spring 624 includes a second end hook 628 configured tobe received by the L-shaped opening 486 of the structural cam 450. Thereturn spring 624 allows force to be transferred from the structural cam450 to the locking hook 338 so that a predetermined force can releasethe locking hook 338.

Referring still to FIG. 10A, the dual cam latch 24 may be enclosed inthe latch housing 256. In the illustrated embodiment, the latch housing256 includes a first portion 644 and a second portion 646. The latchhousing 256 further includes an outer surface 648 and a housing edge 652integrally formed with the outer surface 648. The first portion 644defines a first housing aperture 656 and a second housing aperture 660configured to receive the first connection pin 390 and the secondconnection pin 392 to secure the latch housing 256 over the dual camlatch 24, respectively. The first portion 644 is configured to encasethe locking hook 338 and may be non-linear to allow the locking hook 338to rotate between a locked position and an unlocked position withoutabutting the housing edge 652. The first portion 644 may also include anarm 664 extending perpendicularly to the outer surface 648 of the latchhousing 256 and parallel to the housing edge 652. The arm 664 may beconfigured to guide the locking hook 338 as the locking hook 338 rotatesbetween the locked position and the unlocked position. The secondportion 646 defines a third housing aperture 668 configured to receivethe third connection pin 394. The second portion 646 is furtherconfigured to secure over the structural cam 450, the adjustment cam452, and the cinching spring 440. It will be understood that the latchhousing 256 of the illustrated embodiment is exemplary only, and it iscontemplated that a housing of a different shape or no housing at allmay be used.

Referring now to FIGS. 11A-11D, the latch assembly 168 is shown with thefirst and second connection pins 390, 392, the locking hook 338, thestructural cam 450, the adjustment cam 452, and the return spring 624.As shown in the illustrated embodiments, the locking hook 338 isrotatable between the locked position (FIGS. 11A-11C) and the unlockedposition (FIG. 11D). Similarly, the structural cam 450 and theadjustment cam 452 are operable between a blocked position and a removedposition. The blocked position of the structural cam 450 and theadjustment cam 452 corresponds to the locked position of the lockinghook 338. Similarly, the removed position of the structural cam 450 andthe adjustment cam 452 corresponds to the unlocked position of thelocking hook 338.

Referring now to FIG. 11A, the locking hook 338 is shown in the lockedposition. In the illustrated embodiment, the side edge 596 of the firstflange 580 of the locking hook 338 is substantially flush with the topedge 508 of the adjustment cam 452. The tab 494 of the adjustment cam452 is not fully engaged with the notch 524 of the structural cam 450,and the return spring 624 is in a neutral position. When the lockinghook 338 is in the locked position, the second flange 588 is positionedto prevent the striker pin 12 from being removed from the opening 334.To secure the striker pin 12, the end 606 of the locking hook 338 isaligned with the downward extending flange 416 of the sector arm 16. Thetop edge 508 of the adjustment cam 452 abutting the side edge 596 of thefirst flange 580 of the locking hook 338 prevents the locking hook 338from rotating out of the locked position. The locking hook 338 willremain in the locked position until acted upon by a force that alsorotates the adjustment cam 452 and the structural cam 450 out of theblocked position.

Referring now to FIG. 11B, when the latch assembly 168 is actuated bythe first or second latch cable 130, 132, a force F1 is applied to thestructural cam 450 by the first or second latch cable 130, 132. Theforce F1 applies tension on the return spring 624, resulting in a forceF2 being exerted on the locking hook 338 through the return spring 624.The side edge 596 of the first flange 580 of the locking hook 338remains in contact with the adjustment cam 452. When the force F1 isapplied to the structural cam 450, the structural cam 450 rotates aboutthe third connection pin 394 until the tab 494 fully engages with thenotch 524 of the adjustment cam 452. When the tab 494 fully engages withthe notch 524, a moment M1 is applied to the adjustment cam 452 andcinching spring 440 (not shown). The moment M1 is applied generallyclockwise about the third connection pin 394 as the tab 494 remainsfully engaged with the notch 524 and the foot 516 of the adjustment cam452 begins to move in a clockwise direction.

Referring now to FIGS. 11C and 11D, the first or second latch cable 130,132 continues to apply the force F1 to the structural cam 450. Thestructural cam 450 continues to move in a generally rearward direction,applying the moment M1 to the adjustment cam 452. As the adjustment cam452 rotates, the top edge 508 of the adjustment cam 452 is graduallymoved out of contact with the side edge 596 of the locking hook 338.When the top edge 508 of the adjustment cam 452 is removed from contactwith the side edge 596, the locking hook 338 is free to rotate about thesecond connection pin 392. The structural cam 450 continues applyingtension to the return spring 624, continuing to apply the force F2 onthe locking hook 338. As the force F2 on the locking hook 338 increases,a moment M2 is applied generally clockwise about the second connectionpin 392, rotating the locking hook 338 into the unlocked position, asshown in FIG. 11D. The locking hook 338 will remain in the unlockedposition until it receives the striker pin 12. When the striker pin 12is received by the opening 334 defined by the locking hook 338, thestriker pin 12 pushes the first flange 580 upwards when it contacts theside edge 596 of the first flange 580. When the locking hook 338 reachesthe locked position, the cinching spring 440 rotates the adjustment cam452 back into the blocked position, allowing the side edge 596 tocontact the top edge 508 of the adjustment cam 452 and securing thelocking back into the locked position.

Referring now to FIGS. 11A-11D, the structural cam 450 and theadjustment cam 452 are disposed to allow the locking hook 338 to contactonly the adjustment cam 452. The structural cam 450 includes the shelf462 that is disposed below the top edge 508 of the adjustment cam 452.In the event of a collision event, the adjustment cam 452 may be crushedor deformed by the pressure from the side edge 596 of the locking hook338. If the adjustment cam 452 fails, the shelf 462 of the structuralcam 450 is configured to support the side edge 596 of the locking hook338, holding the locking hook 338 in the locked position.

Referring now to FIG. 12A, the seating assembly 10 is shown with afour-way pitching mechanism 700. The seating assembly 10 is similar tothe seating assembly 10 described in FIGS. 3A and 3B. Where componentsare substantially the same, the same reference numerals have been used.As previously described in FIG. 3A, the seating assembly 10 includes thebase frame 74 and the back frame 78. The base frame 74 includes thefirst horizontal support 96 and the second horizontal support 98operably coupled by the front portion 102 and the rear portion 104. Theback frame 78 includes the first vertical support 82 and the secondvertical support 84 operably coupled by the top portion 88 and thebottom portion 92. The base frame 74 and the back frame 78 are operablycoupled by the transverse connector 176 extending from the firstrecliner heart 175 to the second recliner heart 177. It will beunderstood that the general configuration of the base frame 74 and theback frame 78 are similar to the base frame 74 and the back frame 78described elsewhere herein, more specifically in FIG. 3A.

Referring still to FIG. 12A, the first and second vertical supports 82,84 are operably coupled to the first and second horizontal supports 96,98 by pivots 704. The pivots 704 may be configured to receive first andsecond recliner hearts 175, 177 and the transverse connector 176connecting the first and second recliner hearts 175, 177. The first andsecond recliner hearts 175, 177 and the transverse connector 176 allowthe first and second vertical support 82, 84 of the back frame 78 toincline forward simultaneously when actuated. In the illustratedembodiment, an actuator 712 is operably coupled to one of the pivots 704of the second horizontal support 98. It is contemplated that theactuator 712 may be disposed on any one of the first and secondhorizontal supports 96, 98 of the seating assembly 10. Alternatively, itwill be understood that the actuator 712 may be disposed on the backframe 78 or in any other position proximate to the seating assembly 10without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Referring now to FIGS. 12A-12C, the release bar 30 is operably coupledto the seating assembly 10. The release bar 30 includes the frontportion 32 and the rear portion 34 operably coupled by a torsion spring728. The torsion spring 728 acts as a joining spring for the frontportion 32 and the rear portion 34. The front portion 32 extends forwardof the seating assembly 10 and the rear portion 34 extends beneath thebase frame 74, parallel to and substantially flush with the trackassembly 14. The torsion spring 728 is operably coupled to the trackassembly 14 and may be a standard torsion spring 728 configured totransfer a rotary force from the front portion 32 to the rear portion34.

Referring now to FIGS. 12B and 12C, a first clock spring 740 is disposedon the striker plate 192 disposed below the first horizontal support 96(FIG. 12B) and a second clock spring 744 is disposed on the strikerplate 192 disposed below the second horizontal support 98 (FIG. 12C).Each of the first and second clock springs 740, 744 includes an arm 748engageable with one of a first tab 752 or a second tab 754. Each of thefirst and second tabs 752, 754 is disposed on the respective sector arm16. The arm 748 of the second clock spring 744 is engaged with thesecond tab 754 when the seating assembly 10 is in the design position.The second tab 754 abuts the arm 748 of the second clock spring 744,forcing the second clock spring 744 into a loaded position. The arm 748of the first clock spring 740 extends upward and is unloaded when theseating assembly 10 is in the design position D. The first clock spring740 is configured to engage with the first tab 752 and be forced into aloaded position when the seating assembly 10 is in the pitched positionP.

Referring now to FIG. 13, the seating assembly 10 is shown in thepitched position P including the four-way pitching mechanism 700actuatable by the actuator 712. The base frame 74 is operably coupled tothe track assembly 14 by the plurality of rail slides 60 disposed withinthe plurality of tracks 52. The hinge 180 includes the hinge arm 188 andthe hinge base 184, operably coupled to one of the plurality of railslides 60, as shown previously in FIG. 3B. The latch assembly 168includes the striker plate 192 and the dual cam latch 24, as also shownpreviously in FIG. 3B. The latch assembly 168 further includes thesector arm 16. The sector arm 16 may be the single elongated member 298as illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B. Alternatively, the sector arm 16 mayinclude multiple components, as shown in FIG. 13. When actuated by theactuator 712, a moment is applied at the pivots 704 about the transverseconnector 176 as shown by arrow M4. The moment M4 is in a generallycounter-clockwise direction and inclines the back frame 78 forward. Whenthe back frame 78 is inclined forward, the latch assembly 168 isunlocked, allowing the sector arm 16 and the hinge arm 188 to move intothe pitched position P. As shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B, the base frame 74subsequently may move in a generally forward direction when theplurality of rail slides 60 are released. When the seating assembly 10includes the four-way pitching mechanism 700, the base frame 74 remainsgenerally parallel to the track assembly 14 in the four-way pitchedposition while the back frame 78 inclines forward at an angle.

Referring now to FIGS. 14A and 14B, the seating assembly 10 is shown inthe pitched position with the plurality of rail slides 60 extended fromthe channels 54 defined by the plurality of tracks 52, moving theseating assembly 10 to a forward position relative to the track assembly14. When the dual cam latch 24 is unlocked by the actuator 712, thelatch assembly 168 subsequently engages the release bar 30 to allow theseating assembly 10 to be slid forward along the track assembly 14 intothe forward position. When the seating assembly 10 is in the forwardposition, the cone of entry C of the seating assembly 10 is larger thanwhen the seating assembly 10 is in the pitched position P (FIG. 13)without forward movement or when the seating assembly 10 includes atwo-way pitching mechanism 70 (FIGS. 6-7B).

Referring now to FIGS. 12A-14B, the first and second clock springs 740,744 may be operably coupled to one of the latch assemblies 168 and oneof the striker plates 192. The second clock spring 744 provides a firstspring force to the tab 754 when the second clock spring 744 is releasedfrom the loaded position. The force exerted by the second clock spring744 assists the user in pitching the base frame 74 forward when theseating assembly 10 is being moved to the pitched position P.Alternatively, the first clock spring 740 is loaded when the seatingassembly 10 is in the pitched position. The first clock spring 740provides a second spring force on the tab 752 when the first clockspring 740 is released from the loaded position. The force exerted bythe first clock spring 740 assists the user in returning the seatingassembly 10 to the design position D by propelling the sector arm 16and, subsequently, the base frame 74 backward to lock the seatingassembly 10 into the design position D.

Referring now to FIG. 15, the back frame 78 includes a protrusion 770 onthe first vertical support 82. The protrusion 770 defines a connectionopening 774 configured to receive an actuation member 778. In thepresent embodiment, the actuation member 778 is shown as a cable;however, it is contemplated that any type of member configured toprovide tension to the latch assembly 168 may be used. It is alsocontemplated that the protrusion 770 may be disposed in any position onthe back frame 78 without departing from the scope of the presentdisclosure. The actuation member 778 is positioned so that tension isplaced on the actuation member 778 by the back frame 78 when the backframe 78 is inclined. The actuation member 778 may be operably coupledto a first cable 786 encased by a first cable sleeve 782. The firstcable 786 may interface with a standard splitter 790. The standardsplitter 790 may operably couple the first cable 786 to first and secondlatch cables 796, 798. The first and second latch cables 796, 798 may beencased by a second cable sleeve 792 and a third cable sleeve 794. Itwill be understood that the first cable 786 may be a single cable, aplurality of individual cables, or a plurality of intertwined cables. Itwill further be understood that the first latch cable 796 and the secondlatch cable 798 may be integrally formed with the first cable 786 or thefirst and second latch cables 796, 798 may be a single cable. The firstcable 786 and the first and second latch cables 796, 798 may beconnected by any means as understood in the art. Further, it iscontemplated that the first cable 786 and the first and second latchcables 796, 798 may be exposed on the underside of the base frame 74without the cable sleeves 782, 792, 794 without departing from the scopeof the present disclosure.

Referring now to FIGS. 16A and 16B, the latch assembly 168 is shown forthe four-way pitching mechanism 700. It will be understood that the dualcam latch 24 is similar to the dual cam latch 24 shown in the two-waypitching mechanism 70 in FIGS. 3A-11D. Where features are similar, thesame reference numerals are used. The four-way pitching mechanism 700includes the sector arm 16 including a first arm 800 and a second arm804. The first arm 800 is an elongated member 806 and includes a firstend 808 and a second end 812. The first end 808 is generally wider thanthe second end 812 and defines a first pivot aperture 816 where thefirst end 808 begins to narrow. The first pivot aperture 816 isconfigured to receive a first pivot pin 850 to operably couple the firstarm 800 to the second arm 804. The second end 812 of the first arm 800defines a second pivot aperture 824. The second pivot aperture 824 ofthe first arm 800 aligns with the second pivot aperture 218 of thestriker plate 192 and is secured by a second pivot pin 828. The latchassembly 168 rotates around the second pivot pin 828 when moving fromthe design position D to the pitched position P.

Referring still to FIGS. 16A and 16B, the second arm 804 of the sectorarm 16 is generally triangular in shape and includes a non-linear vertex830. The second arm 804 defines a first pivot aperture 834 at the vertex830 configured to operably couple to the torsion bar 100 of the baseframe 74. It is contemplated that the first pivot aperture 834 may beoperably coupled to any part of the base frame 74 without departing fromthe scope of the present disclosure. The second arm 804 further includesa non-linear gear edge 838 opposite the vertex 830 and a protrusion 842extending from an end of the gear edge 838. The protrusion 842 includesa circular end 858 defining an aperture 854. The aperture 854 isconfigured to align with the first pivot aperture 816 of the first arm800 and is secured by the first pivot pin 850. The first pivot pin 850is configured to allow the first arm 800 to rotate into the pitchedposition without adjusting the second arm 804. When the latch assembly168 is released, the first arm 800 of the sector arm 16 rotates into thepitched position P, leaving the second arm 804 stationary. The secondarm 804 may be moved independently from the first arm 800, as describedelsewhere herein.

Referring now to FIGS. 17A and 17B, the release cam 28 is operablycoupled to the first arm 800 of the sector arm 16 by the second pivotpin 828. The release cam 28 includes a body portion 884 defining aconnection aperture 888. A foot 892 extends perpendicularly to the bodyportion 884. The release cam 28 is fixedly coupled to the first arm 800of the sector arm 16 so that the release cam 28 pivots with the firstarm 800 when the sector arm 16 is rotated about the second pivot pin828. The release bar 30 is positioned beneath the base frame 74 andextends proximate to the release cam 28. The release bar 30 includes therear portion 34 and the front portion 32. As shown in FIGS. 12A and 14A,the front portion 32 of the release bar 30 includes a forward bar 900protruding from the base frame 74 toward the front of the seatingassembly 10. The forward bar 900 is integrally formed with side bars 904that are configured to extend beneath the base frame 74. Referring againto FIGS. 17A and 17B, each of the side bars 904 includes a spring end906 positioned at a predetermined angle to the side bar 904. The springend 906 is disposed to engage with the torsion spring 728. When theforward bar 900 of the front portion 32 is engaged, the spring end 906subsequently engages the torsion spring 728. When the torsion spring 728is engaged, the rear portion 34 engages a release spring 916.

Still referring to FIGS. 17A and 17B, the rear portion 34 includes afirst curve 908 integrally formed with a second curve 912. The secondcurve 912 is an inverted curve of the first curve 908. The second curve912 is integrally formed with a second spring end 910 and is selectivelyengageable with the release spring 916. The release spring 916 isoperably coupled to the track assembly 14. When the second curve 912 isdepressed, the release spring 916 is released to allow fore/aft movementof the base frame 74 relative to the track assembly 14. The second curve912 may be depressed by the release cam 28 or by the user raising thefront portion 32 of the release bar 30.

Referring still to FIGS. 17A and 17B, the release cam 28 is rotated intoan engaged position when the latch assembly 168 is moved into thepitched position (FIG. 17B). When the release cam 28 is rotated into theengaged position, the release cam 28 extends generally downward todepress the rear portion 34 of the release bar 30. The release cam 28engages the first curve 908 of the rear portion 34 of the release bar30. When the first curve 908 is depressed, the second curve 912 engagesthe release spring 916 to allow fore/aft movement of the base frame 74relative to the track assembly 14. It is contemplated that otherconfiguration of the release spring 916 may be used. It is alsocontemplated that other shape configurations for the release bar 30 maybe used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Referring now to FIGS. 18A and 18B, the sector arm 16 is operablebetween the design position D (FIG. 18A) and the pitched position P(FIG. 18B). As discussed elsewhere herein, the second arm 804 of thesector arm 16 includes the gear edge 838. The gear edge 838 includes aplurality of gear teeth 930. A pinion 934 is disposed proximate to thegear edge 838. The pinion 934 is generally cylindrical and may include aplurality of gear slots 938 defined by a lateral edge 942 of the pinion934. The plurality of gear teeth 930 is configured to be received by theplurality of gear slots 938. The plurality of gear teeth 930 and theplurality of gear slots 938 allow the second arm 804 to be selectivelyoperable between the design position, the raised position, and amultitude of positions between the design position and the raisedposition. As shown in FIGS. 12B, 13, 14B, 15, 18A, and 18B, the pinion934 is actuated using an actuator 960 and a cable 964 operably coupledto the base frame 74. When the actuator 960 is engaged, it ratchets thegear edge 838 upward to allow the second arm 804 to raise the base frame74. As the second arm 804 raises, the hinge arm 188 gradually rotates aswell to allow the base frame 74 to remain substantially parallel to thetrack assembly 14 as it raises. The second arm 804 is operable when thefirst arm 800 is in any position. By utilizing the raised position, itis possible to increase the cone of entry C shown in FIG. 14B to allowaccess to space rearward of the seating assembly 10. It will beunderstood that the number of gear teeth 930 illustrated in the presentdisclosure is exemplary only, and the number may be increased ordecreased without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Itis also contemplated that the second arm 804 may be of any shape or sizewithout departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

It will be understood by one having ordinary skill in the art thatconstruction of the described concepts, and other components, is notlimited to any specific material. Other exemplary embodiments of theconcepts disclosed herein may be formed from a wide variety of materialsunless described otherwise herein.

For purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” (in all of itsforms: couple, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally means the joining oftwo components (electrical or mechanical) directly or indirectly to oneanother. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature.Such joining may be achieved with the two components (electrical ormechanical) and any additional intermediate members being integrallyformed as a single unitary body with one another or with the twocomponents. Such joining may be permanent in nature, or may be removableor releasable in nature, unless otherwise stated.

It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement ofthe elements of the disclosure, as shown in the exemplary embodiments,is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the presentinnovations have been described in detail in this disclosure, thoseskilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciatethat many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes,dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements,values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors,orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novelteachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example,elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multipleparts, or elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed, theoperation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied, thelength or width of the structures and/or members or connector or otherelements of the system may be varied, and the nature or numeral ofadjustment positions provided between the elements may be varied. Itshould be noted that the elements and/or assemblies of the system may beconstructed from any of a wide variety of materials that providesufficient strength or durability, in any of a wide variety of colors,textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications areintended to be included within the scope of the present innovations.Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be madein the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the desired andother exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of thepresent innovations.

It will be understood that any described processes, or steps withindescribed processes, may be combined with other disclosed processes orsteps to form structures within the scope of the present disclosure. Theexemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are for illustrativepurposes and are not to be construed as limiting.

It is also to be understood that variations and modifications can bemade on the aforementioned structures and methods without departing fromthe concepts of the present disclosure, and further, it is to beunderstood that such concepts are intended to be covered by thefollowing claims, unless these claims, by their language, expresslystate otherwise.

What is claimed is:
 1. A seating assembly comprising: a seat baseoperably coupled to a track assembly; and a latch assembly configured tocouple the seat base to the track assembly and comprising: an armincluding a first portion defining a first pivot aperture configured toreceive a first pivot pin and a second portion defining a second pivotaperture configured to receive a second pivot pin, wherein the firstpivot pin is a torsion bar directly coupled with the seat base, andfurther wherein the first portion is integrally formed with the secondportion and extends at an obtuse angle from the second portion; astriker operably coupled to the second pivot pin and including a strikerpin; and a dual cam latch operably coupled to the arm and disposedbetween the first pivot pin and the second pivot pin proximate amidpoint of the arm, wherein the dual cam latch is operable between alowered position in which the latch assembly is engaged with the strikerpin and a raised position in which the latch assembly is released, andfurther wherein the second portion of the arm is substantiallyperpendicular to a horizontal base of the striker when the dual camlatch is in the raised position.
 2. The seating assembly of claim 1,wherein the dual cam latch includes a locking hook defining an opening.3. The seating assembly of claim 2, wherein a first distance measuredfrom the opening of the locking hook to the second pivot pin isgenerally equivalent to a second distance measured from the second pivotpin to the striker pin.
 4. The seating assembly of claim 1, wherein thearm includes a first portion operably coupled to a second portion, andwherein the first pivot pin is operably coupled to the first portion andthe second pivot pin is operably coupled to the second portion.
 5. Aseating assembly comprising: a seat base operably coupled to a trackassembly; an arm operably coupled to a first pivot pin and a secondpivot pin, wherein the first pivot pin is a torsion bar of the seatbase; a striker plate disposed on the track assembly and operablycoupled to the second pivot pin; and a dual cam latch disposed betweenthe first pivot pin and the second pivot pin proximate a midpoint of thearm and configured to engage a striker pin when in a lowered position,wherein the arm includes a first portion integrally formed with a secondportion, the first portion extending at an obtuse angle from the secondportion.
 6. The seating assembly of claim 5, wherein the dual cam latchincludes a locking hook defining an opening.
 7. The seating assembly ofclaim 6, wherein the striker plate includes the striker pin configuredto be received by the opening of the locking hook.
 8. The seatingassembly of claim 7, wherein the dual cam latch is operably coupled tothe arm by an arbor pin such that the opening of the locking hook is afirst distance from the second pivot pin.
 9. The seating assembly ofclaim 8, wherein the striker pin is a second distance from the secondpivot pin, and wherein the second distance is generally equivalent tothe first distance.
 10. The seating assembly of claim 6, wherein the armincludes a first end and a second end, and further wherein the first endis operably coupled to the first pivot pin and the second end isoperably coupled to the second pivot pin.
 11. The seating assembly ofclaim 10, wherein the first end is disposed at a predetermined anglerelative to the opening of the dual cam latch, and further wherein theangle disposes the seat base to be substantially parallel to the trackassembly when the dual cam latch is in the lowered position.
 12. Aseating assembly comprising: a seat base operably coupled to a trackassembly; and a latch assembly comprising: a striker plate operablycoupled to the track assembly; an arm operably coupled to the seat baseand the striker plate, the arm having a first portion integrally formedwith a second portion, the first portion extending at an obtuse anglefrom the second portion; and a dual cam latch operably coupled to thearm and disposed between first and second ends of the arm, wherein thesecond portion is substantially perpendicular to a base of the strikerplate when the dual cam latch is in a raised position.
 13. The seatingassembly of claim 12, wherein the striker plate includes a striker pin.14. The seating assembly of claim 13, wherein the dual cam latchincludes a locking hook defining an opening configured to receive thestriker pin.
 15. The seating assembly of claim 14, wherein the first enddefines a first pivot axis and the second end defines a second pivotaxis.
 16. The seating assembly of claim 13, wherein the second end isdisposed a first distance from the second pivot axis, and furtherwherein the striker pin is disposed at a second distance from the secondpivot axis.
 17. The seating assembly of claim 16, wherein the firstdistance is generally equivalent to the second distance.
 18. The seatingassembly of claim 14, wherein the obtuse angle is configured to positionthe seat base parallel to the track assembly when the locking hook isengaged with the striker pin.
 19. The seating assembly of claim 12,wherein the dual cam latch is secured to the arm and a cover by an arborpin.
 20. The seating assembly of claim 12, wherein the arm is a singlecontinuous piece configured to support some part of the seat base.